I’ve just had a single excision endometriosis resection surgery, where Dr. Guan said he cut away so many implants that were hiding underneath my uterus. He lifted and moved my swollen uterus and cut below it. Thankfully, I did not have any adhesions around my ovaries or on my fallopian tubes.

He and Dr. Bardawell were able to cut away implants near my bowels. Apparently, my uterus is swollen and shaped like a football – enlarged and filled with endometrial-like tissue that is impossible to reach. To get at it, Dr. Guan said the next step would be a total vaginal hysterectomy.

I’m just not there yet.

A few expectations I had about this surgery: It’s meant to be the near end-all of the endo pain and symptoms I’ve been suffering from over the years. It’s meant to alleviate most of my symptoms, including painful intercourse, nausea, excessive bleeding, lower back pain and abdominal pain. It was a single incision, meaning the scarring is straight through my belly button – only one hole.

Here is the reality I’m facing so far: My stomach now looks like I am eight weeks pregnant. My belly button looks awful with scarring and purple bruises all around it. I feel bloated. I’m nauseated. Peeing is hard. Walking is hard. I haven’t had a bowel movement. I’m irritable and the pain meds are not entirely working. Food tastes awful. I have no appetite. I’m dizzy from all the meds. My clothes, especially my pants, don’t fit. I’m tired.

I’m hoping these symptoms go away quickly. That by the middle of next week, I’m feeling more like myself. I currently want to vomit.

Endo sucks. This surgery sucks.

The only good that has come from this is the outpouring of support from my friends, fiancé and family. The love is great and makes me feel like I can keep pushing on.

I can’t wait until I am back on my feet, working out, eating right and feeling good.

Let me know if you have any questions about this. I am still finding ways to cope with the pain and sadness, so it’s a daily struggle. I know that I will find something that works for me soon.

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Published by Michelle

Michelle Iracheta is an award-winning journalist who’s worked in many newsrooms across the country and a has a knack for building strong interpersonal relationships that help her effectively tell stories.
Originally from the Bayou City, Michelle currently covers The Woodlands area and the cities of Shenandoah and Oak Ridge North for Houston Community Newspapers and the Houston Chronicle.
Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication at the University of Houston. As a senior, Michelle wrote for the The Daily Cougar, UH’s student-run newspaper.
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